President Bola Tinubu has described his recent trip to China as “very good and successful,” during a meeting with Nigerians living in China at the China World Hotel, Beijing. Addressing members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the broader Nigerian community, President Tinubu highlighted his efforts to strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and his participation at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
President Tinubu urged the diaspora community to represent Nigeria positively and be good ambassadors. “We will always celebrate our diversity. We cherish it, but this diversity is our commitment to serve. If it is about service, we must be good citizens,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President assured Nigerians in Diaspora that Nigeria’s Bank of Industry is prepared to collaborate with them on investment opportunities back home. Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms, including bold decisions like the adjustment of fuel prices, he stressed the necessity of taking tough decisions to build a nation with quality infrastructure akin to what he observed in China.
“One key takeaway from my visit to China is the commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure back home,” President Tinubu declared, receiving applause from the audience. He emphasized the need for quality education, reliable electricity, and water supply, and innovative teaching to ensure Nigeria’s development.
Dr. Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations and expressed the organization’s support for Nigeria’s 4Ds initiative, launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. He also appealed to President Tinubu to advocate for Nigeria to be recognized as a native English-speaking nation in China, highlighting that such recognition could unlock more job and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.
Barnabas noted, “Over 70% of available international jobs in China are reserved for native English speakers. We believe Nigeria, as an English-speaking nation with a rich literary heritage, deserves similar recognition, which would enhance opportunities for Nigerians in China and increase diaspora remittances to Nigeria.”
President Tinubu assured the Nigerian community of his commitment to replicating China’s quality infrastructure in Nigeria, stating, “We want our children to be in good schools, not tattered huts and dilapidated buildings. We must make our teaching innovative and allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to flourish. One economic action leads to another, and it is in your hand to build our nation. Mine is to provide the leadership, and I am committed to doing just that.”
The President concluded by reaffirming his focus on making tough decisions for the betterment of Nigeria and expressed confidence in his team’s ability to lead the nation forward.
